Permaculture class offered in Portland

Last Updated:

October 8, 2010

PORTLAND, Ore. – A class on permaculture, sponsored by the Oregon State University horticulture department, will be offered for 11 Saturdays in Portland, beginning Oct. 2. The deadline for registration is Sept. 22.

"Permaculture design is a method of planning that works at all scales from garden to farm and village to city," said Andrew Millison, one of the course leaders. "It is an ethically based holistic design system that uses principles derived from ecosystems, native peoples and proven strategies to create sustainable settlements and organizations."

The first four sessions will give an introduction to permaculture, and people may then choose to attend as many of the seven successive sessions as they wish. The course, which is open to all, highlights horticultural solutions to issues such as soil improvement, landscape productivity and healthy water management. It will be led by Millison and Marisha Auerbach, whose combined experience in teaching and practicing permaculture totals 26 years.

Participants will get their hands dirty as they learn strategies for effective design, Millison said.

"The course blends hands-on skills with discussion, design projects, group exercises, games and presentations from local experts," he said.

Those who take the entire course can earn a certificate of permaculture design, which allows use of the word permaculture for professional services, Millison said.

The location for the classes will be announced soon. More information on pricing and topics are online at: Permaculture course website.